An appraiser selects comparables in a distant community to match the religious makeup of another area. This conduct would BEST be described as:

• A. Harassment
• B. Disparate treatment
• C. Disparate impact
• D. Redlining

Answer: (B)

Intentional discrimination in the appraisal process based on religion is at play. By selecting comparables in a distant community specifically to mirror or influence the religious makeup of another area, the appraiser is making a decision that treats people differently because of a protected characteristic. That deliberate bias in how properties are valued falls under disparate treatment, which covers actions taken with discriminatory intent against someone based on religion.

Harassment would involve conduct that creates a hostile environment, not the appraisal decision itself. Disparate impact would involve a neutral policy or practice that unintentionally harms a protected class; here the action is an explicit targeting based on religion rather than a neutral rule with unintended consequences. Redlining involves denying or limiting services in particular neighborhoods based on demographics; this scenario centers on selecting comps to reflect religion, not on denying services to a locale.